Edge protector systems for cathode plates and methods of making same

ABSTRACT

Cathode plate edge protector systems formed by secondary and tertiary molding processes, in which fluid plastic is molded around and/or introduced into previously manufactured plastic edge protectors. A U-shaped edge protector system is formed by bevel-cutting abutting ends of edge protector strips, securing the strips in the desired configuration a molding jig, and molding corner pieces around the abutting ends. The system is then removed from the jig and slip-installed over the two sides and the bottom edge of a cathode plate. In an optional tertiary molding process, fluid plastic may be introduced into the remaining void between the edge protector system and the cathode plate. Another edge protector system is formed by mounting edge protector strips on opposing side edges of a cathode plate, damming the open ends, and introducing fluid plastic in the contained voids between the strips and the cathode plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to non-metallic protective coverings forthe edges of cathode plates used in electrowinning processes. Morespecifically, the invention pertains to cathode plate edge protectorsystems formed by secondary and tertiary molding processes, in whichfluid plastic is molded around and/or injected into previously moldedplastic edge protectors.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The two processing methods used for producing copper are:pyrometallurgy, or smelting, and hydrometallurical leaching. The presentinvention pertains to the latter method, in which copper bearing ore ispulverized and placed on a leach pad. A weak solution of sulfuric acidis sprayed onto the upper surface of the pulverized ore. The acidsolution percolates through the ore, dissolving the acid-soluble copper.The solution is collected in a pond beneath the leach pad.

In the next step, the copper-bearing solution is pumped from the pond toa solvent extraction facility. At this facility, organic chemicals aremixed with the solution, separating the copper into a more concentratedsolution. This concentrate is then mixed with sulfuric acid, forming anelectrolyte solution.

The final step is the electrowinning process, an electrolytic methodused to remove heavy metal ions from concentrated solutions. The copperelectrolyte is pumped from the extraction facility into a steel tank atthe electrowinning facility. Rows containing alternating cathode andanode plates extend throughout the volume of the tank. The cathodeplates are made from stainless steel and the anode plates are made fromlead. The plates are vertically suspended, so as to be substantiallyimmersed in the copper electrolyte. The upper ends of the cathodes andthe anodes are welded to horizontal hanger bars, which overlayrespective electrical buss lines. The buss lines are interconnected to asource of low voltage, high current, DC. The copper ions are reducedthrough the electolytic process, and deposited as a layers of coppercovering the cathode plates. After a week, or so, the cathode plates areremoved from the electrolyte and an electroplated copper sheet isstripped from each side of the stainless steel cathode plates.

During this electrowinning process, the copper deposits along the edgesof the cathode grow faster and sometimes in a more irregular fashion,that on the planar portions. This causes problems in removal of thecopper sheets, as the edge deposited copper is thicker and of varyingshape. The prior art teaches the use of non-conductive edge protectors,which extend along the side edges and the bottom edge of the cathode.The edge protectors cover the edges and a small adjacent strip of theplanar portion of the cathode. In this way, no copper is deposited ontothe edges of the cathode, and a clean line is presented by the inneredge of the edge protector for easy removal of the copper sheet.

Many different designs for these edge protectors have been developed.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,798, granted to Alexander et al., showsa corner protector for an electrowinning electrode. In this arrangement,a corner protector is located at each corner of the electrode, coveringthe region where each side edge strip and the bottom edge strip meet inabutting relation. Each corner protector has a vertical channel forreceiving the lower end of a side edge strip, a horizontal channel forreceiving the end of the bottom edge strip, and a cutout for receivingthe corner of the cathode element.

However, the electrolytic process produces heat and expansive forceswhich compromise the integrity and useful life of prior art edgeprotectors. Adhesives fail, leaks develop, and deposits eventually forminside the cracks and the cavities of the prior art edge protectorsystems. When the deposits form in these regions, the edge protectorsbulge outwardly and allow further intrusions of the electrolyte. Then,the sheets of deposited copper are difficult to remove, or are damagedduring removal, and the cathode plate requires servicing before it canbe used again.

Therefore, the need exists for a cathode edge protector system whichdoes not rely upon adhesives, retainer strips, or other mechanicalconnectors, for attachment to the cathode.

The need exists for a cathode edge protector system incorporating acorner protector molded in situ on the end of one or more edge strips.

The need also exists for a cathode edge protector system which containsno external cracks or defects, or any internal voids, into whichelectrolyte can seep or intrude.

The need further exists for a cathode plate edge protector system inwhich edge strips can be preliminarily molded into any desired shape,mounted onto an edge of a cathode plate, and subsequently filled withfluid plastic for structural integration with the cathode plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cathode plate edge protector systems of the present invention areformed by carrying out secondary and tertiary molding processes inconjunction with previously molded or extruded plastic edge protectorstrips. The first embodiment, a U-shaped edge protector system, isformed by first bevel-cutting the four abutting ends of three edgestrips. The strips are then installed into a molding jig to form aU-shaped assembly. The molding jig includes right-angle cavitiessurrounding the two corners of the assembly. Lastly, fluid plastic isintroduced into the cavities, molding plastic corner pieces around theabutting ends of the edge strips, and forming a unitary structure.

The edge protector system is removed from the jig and prepared forinstallation over the two side edges and the bottom edge of a cathodeplate. The cathode plate includes a plurality of plate aperturesarranged in spaced relation along its opposing first and second sideedges. First and second plastic retainer strips, including a pluralityof liked-spaced registration pins on their undersides, are installedalong the side edges with the pins fitted into respective apertures.

A second edge protector system is formed by mounting an edge protectorstrip on the side edge a cathode plate, without a retainer strip. Afterdamming the open ends, a fluid curable into a hardened body isintroduced into the contained void between the edge strip and the sideedge of the cathode plate. The process is repeated for the opposingedge.

A third edge protector system incorporates aspects of the first systemand adds a tertiary molding process. The U-shaped edge protector systemof the first system is formed, but it is merely slip-installed onto thecathode plate without using the retainer strips. Then, in a thirdtertiary molding process, fluid plastic is introduced into the containedvoid between the edge protector system and the cathode plate, fillingthe void within the edge protector system and the apertures in thecathode plate. A permanent and integrated structure between the edgeprotector system and the cathode plate is thereby formed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first edge protector system, mountedon a cathode plate with a hanger extending along its upper edge;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional, detail inset, taken on thebroken line 2-2 in FIG. 1, showing the retainer strip and the coveredportion of the cathode plate in broken line;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded view of a cathode plate and a retainerstrip, showing the plate aperture and the registration pin;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cathode plate, showing theinstallation of retainer strips with their registration pins aligned forinsertion into respective apertures in the cathode plate;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view, showing the first step of acorner piece molding process, with a side edge protector strip and abottom edge protector strip being installed in the lower half mold withtheir beveled edges arranged in abutting relation;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the second step of a corner piecemolding process, the mold halves being closed upon the protector stripsand the fluid plastic injection nozzle being introduced to an injectionpassageway;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the third step of a corner piecemolding process, the mold halves being separated and the unitary edgestrips and the molded corner being removed from the lower half mold;.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, exploded, perspective view showing the beveledends of the second side edge strip and the second end of the bottom edgestrip, prior to installation into a lower mold half for forming a secondmolded corner;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cathode plate fitted with theretainer strips, the first edge protector system in the process of beingslip-installed over the side edges;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cathode plate fitted with a secondembodiment of an edge protector system;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional detail inset taken on thebroken line 12-12 in FIG. 11, showing a molded locking body and thecovered portion of the cathode plate in broken line;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the first step of a locking bodymolding process, the cathode plate being fitted with the pair of sideedge protector strips;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the second step of themolding process of FIG. 14, showing the bottom end injection mold formsand the upper end dam;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a side edge protectorstrip, showing a locking body which is molded within the side edgeprotector strip, and the cathode plate about which and through which thelocking body is molded;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cathode plate fitted with a thirdembodiment of an edge protector system, showing the injection mold formson one top end and the dam on the other top end;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional, detail inset taken on thebroken line 18-18 in FIG. 17, showing a molded locking body and thecovered portion of the cathode plate in broken line;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 19-19 in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 20-20 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional detail inset of analternative, tubular form of an edge protector strip, showing a moldedlocking body and the covered portion of the cathode plate in brokenline; and,

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 22-22 in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, a U-shaped edgeprotector system 11 for a cathode plate 12 is shown. Edge protectorsystem 11 comprises a first side edge strip 13 and a second side edgestrip 14, preferably molded or extruded from a plastic material. Firstside edge strip 13 has an upper end 16 and a lower end 17, and an inner,open side portion 18 extending therebetween. Lower end 17 includes abevel termination 19. Similarly, second edge strip 14 has an upper end21, a lower end 22, and an inner, open side portion 23 extending betweenends 21 and 22. The lower end 22 of second edge strip 14 is alsoprovided with a bevel termination 24.

Also provided is a bottom edge strip 26, having an a first end 27 with abevel termination 28. Bevel termination 28 is adapted for matingengagement with bevel termination 19 of the first side edge strip 13,forming a first juncture 29. Bottom edge strip 26 also includes a secondend 31 with a bevel termination 32 adapted for mating engagement withbevel termination 24 of the second side edge strip 14. A second juncture33 is thereby formed, as shown in FIG. 1. Bottom edge strip 26 also hasan inner, open side portion 34, extending between the first end 27 andthe second end 31.

To complete formation of the U-shaped edge protector system 11, firstside edge strip 13 and bottom edge strip 26 are placed within a lowercorner mold 36 with their respective bevel terminations in aligned,abutting relation. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, an upper corner mold 37 islowered over the lower corner mold and the captive edge strips, and isclamped securely thereon. Both the upper and the lower corner moldsinclude recesses 38 to accommodate respective portions of the edgestrips, and they also include a corner cavity 39 surrounding the ends ofthe edge strips and the first juncture 29. A passageway 41 extendsthrough the interface of both molds, allowing the introduction of afluid which is curable into a hardened form. Preferably, this is aplastic material, identical to the material previously used to mold orextrude the side and bottom edge strips. A plastic injection nozzle 42is inserted into passageway 41, and the fluid plastic is introduced intopassageway, entirely filling the corner cavity 39.

It should be noted that while an injection molding process is primarilyreferred to herein for the molding and formation of the fluid plastic,other equivalent processes may be used. For example, if the plasticmaterial is made less viscous through the use of additives or elevatedtemperatures, the fluid plastic may be poured or introduced under lowpressures into the various cavities and molds described herein. Thisapproach may be desirable for safety reasons, as well as for ease andspeed of production. Thus, the disclosure herein contemplates that thedifferent molding processes may be carried out by injection moldingunder relatively high pressure, or it may be carried out by pouring thefluid material or introducing it into the edge strips or mold cavitiesunder low pressure.

After a period of time has passed, the introduced fluid material curesinto a hardened form, and the upper corner mold 37 may be removed. Whenthe first side edge strip and the bottom edge strip 26 are removed fromthe lower corner mold, it is evident that a first molded corner piece 43has been molded over the first juncture 29 (See, FIG. 8). This secondarymolding process structurally integrates the previously molded edgestrips through the use of a corner piece molded in situ over the matingjuncture of the two edge strips. An identical secondary molding processis performed at the other corner of the system, where second side edgestrip 14 conjoins with the second end 31 of bottom edge strip 26. (See,FIG. 9). A second molded corner piece 44 is molded over the juncture 33,and the major components of the U-shaped edge protection system 11 havebeen formed.

Attention will now be directed to the details of the cathode plate 12,onto which the edge protection system 11 is installed. The cathode plate12 includes a top edge 46, a bottom edge 47, and first side edge 48 andsecond side edge 49 extending therebetween. Side edges 48 and 49 includea plurality of plate apertures 51, arranged in spaced relationsubstantially along their full extent. A first retainer strip 52 and asecond retainer strip 53 are provided for installation, respectively,over first side edge 48 and second side edge 49. Each retainer stripincludes a plurality of registration pins 54, depending from theirundersides. The registration pins 54 are arranged in spaced relation,for snug insertion into respective plate apertures 51. In that manner,retainer strips 52 and 53 are installed onto cathode plate 12. (See,FIG. 5).

To complete the installation of edge protection system 11 onto cathodeplate 12, the open side portion 18 of the first side edge strip 13, andthe open side portion 23 of the second edge said second side edge strip14, are respectively slip-installed over the first retainer strip 52 andthe second retainer strip 53, until the bottom edge of cathode plate isinserted into the open side portion 34 of the bottom edge strip 26.(See, FIGS. 1 and 10).

As is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the open side portions of the edge stripsinclude an inner cavity 56 to accommodate both the edges of the cathodeplate and the retainer strips mounted thereon. Inner cavity 56 includesa plate recess 57 sized and configured to receive said side edge of saidcathode plate. Cavity 56 also includes a strip recess 58, having upperportion and lower portions in communication with the plate recess 57.Each retainer strip is housed within the upper portion of the striprecess 58. It should be noted that the plate apertures 51 lie within theportion of the plate recess 57 which lies between the upper and lowerportions of the strip recess 58. Thus, the registration pins 54 extenddownwardly from the retainer strips, pass through the plate apertures51, and enter the lower portion of the strip recess 58. (See, FIG. 3).In this manner, confinement of the retainer strips 52 and 53 and theirregistration pins 54 within the strip recesses 58 of the side edgestrips, coupled with the registration pins 54 passing through the plateapertures 51, ensure that the edge strips and the cathode plate 12 aresecurely locked together, particularly against lateral movement.

As shown in FIG. 1, a hanger bar 59 extends across the upper edge 46 ofthe cathode plate 12. The hanger bar is typically welded to the cathodeplate, to provide a secure means of suspending the plate within theelectrolyte. The hanger bar also lies upon electrical buss lines (notshown), to interconnect the cathode with the power supply. To facilitateperiodic removal of the cathode plate from the electrolyte for copperharvesting, two hook holes 61 are provided in the upper end of the plate12. Because the hanger bar 59 closes off the upper side of the hookholes, the hooks removing the cathode plate actually lift against thehanger bar

Another embodiment of an edge protector system 62 is shown in FIG. 11.This embodiment provides protection only for the side edges of a cathodeplate 12. Edge protector system 62 includes a first side edge strip 63and a second side edge strip 64. Both strips 63 and 64 are identical,having an upper end 66, a lower end 67, and an inner, open side portion68 extending therebetween. Open side portion 68 includes an inner cavity69 having a volume.

The cathode plate 12 used in connection with edge protector system 62 isidentical to that previously described, so the same numericaldesignations will be employed for the sake of simplicity. Cathode plate12 has a top edge 46, a bottom edge 47, and a first side edge 48 and asecond side edge 49 extending therebetween. The first and second sideedges include a plurality of plate apertures 51 extending through thecathode plate. The apertures 51 are arranged in spaced relation alongthe cathode plate edges, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16.

In a first step in assembling the system 62, the first side edge strip63 is installed over the first side edge 48 of the cathode plate 12.(See, FIG. 14). Preferably, after this step is completed, the cathodeplate and the strip 63 are held in place securely by means of a jig orother suitable clamping apparatus. The first side edge 48 fills only aportion of the volume of the inner cavity 69 within the first side edgestrip. It should be noted, in addition, that the open side portion 68 ofthe first side edge strip 63 encloses the plate apertures 51 whichextend along the first side edge 48.

At this juncture, a dam 71 is installed over the upper end 66 of sideedge strip 63. This darn dam seals off the otherwise open end of theinner cavity 69. At the lower end 67 of side edge strip 63, an edgestrip injection mold 72 is installed over portions of the strip 63 andthe cathode plate 12. Injection mold 72 is of split block constructionfor easy installation and removal. Mold 72 also includes an injectionport 73, having an inner passageway in communication with the innercavity 69. The previously described injection nozzle 42 is adapted forinsertion into port 73, for delivery of a fluid curable into a hardenedform, into inner cavity 69. Preferably, this fluid is an injectionmolded plastic, of the same material used in the previous manufacture ofthe side edge strips 63 and 64.

Upon injection or introduction of the fluid into the inner cavity 69,the remaining unfilled portion of the inner cavity 69, primarily aboveand below the side edge of the cathode plate and within the plurality ofplate apertures, is filled with fluid. When this fluid cures into ahardened form, a locking body 74 is formed. The configuration of thelocking body 74 is particularly evident in FIG. 16. Locking body 74includes an upper strip 76, a lower strip 77, and cylindrical pins 78extending therebetween. With the cylindrical pins 78 passing through theplate apertures, and the upper and lower strips filling the remainder ofthe inner cavity above and below the edge of the cathode plate, the sideedge strip 63 and the cathode plate 12 are securely and permanentlyjoined together. Then, upon removal of the darn dam 71 and the stripinjection mold 72, the identical process is repeated for mounting andsecuring remaining side edge strip 64 to the cathode plate 12.

Yet another embodiment of the invention, comprising an edge protectorsystem 79 is shown in FIG. 17. This third embodiment is in many ways acombination of certain features of the first embodiment and the secondembodiment, previously described. For that reason, where appropriate,many of the same numerical designations for various components will beused. In addition, where systems and assembly processes pertaining tothese common components have already been discussed in detail, referencewill simply be made to the previous discussion rather than repeating thesame subject matter.

Edge protector system 79 includes a first side edge strip 81, a secondside edge strip 82, and a bottom edge strip 83. These edge strips areassembled into a U-shaped unitary structure, by means of the samesecondary molding process described in connection with the firstembodiment, represented by edge protector system 11. Accordingly, edgeprotector 79 also includes a first molded corner piece 84 and a secondmolded corner piece 86. Side strips 81 and 82, as well as bottom edgestrip 83, all include an inner, open side portion 87 and an inner cavity88, identical to those corresponding features discussed previously.

Edge protector system 79 is slip-installed over the side edges and thebottom edge of cathode plate 12, as shown in FIG. 17. However, noretaining strips are installed along the side edges of the cathodeplate, before the U-shaped unitary structure of system 79 is installedthereon. A dam 89 is provided at the upper end of the first side edgestrip 81. An injection mold 91 is provided at the upper end of thesecond side strip 82. The entire assembly is held fast in a jig, orwithin clamps on an assembly table.

In a tertiary molding process, a fluid curable into a hardened form, isinjected or introduced through the injection mold 91, into the remainingunfilled portion of inner cavity 88. This fluid is preferably a fluidplastic, identical or similar to that used previously to mold the edgestrips and the corner pieces. As with the injection process described tomake the edge protector system 62, the introduced fluid fills theportion of the inner cavity 88 above and below the side edge of thecathode plate and within the plurality of plate apertures. When thisfluid cures into a hardened form, a locking body 92 is formed. Thislocking body permanently secures the edge strip assembly to the cathodeplate.

FIG. 19, a cross-sectional view taken through a plate aperture 51, showshow the locking body 92 extends above, below, and through the side edgeof the cathode plate 12. FIG. 20, a cross-sectional view taken through arepresentative portion of the bottom edge strip 83, shows how thelocking body exists only above and below the bottom edge of the cathodeplate 12. In other words, since no plate apertures are normally providedalong the bottom edge, the locking body in this region is so confined.

While all of the edge strips described so far have been generallyrectangular in cross-section, other configurations may be used as well.For example, in FIGS. 21 and 22, an edge strip 93 which is circular inconfiguration is shown. Edge strip 93 has an inner, open side portion 94which includes a right, circular cylindrical inner cavity 96. As withthe other edge strips, the cathode plate 12 passes through the open sideportion 94 and into the inner cavity 96. If the edge of the cathodeplate includes a plate aperture 51, the locking body 97 will extendabove, below, and through the edge of the plate, as shown in FIG. 22.

It will be appreciated, then, that I have disclosed three embodiments ofimproved cathode plate edge protector systems for cathode plates, andmethods for making same, incorporating secondary and tertiary moldingprocesses in conjunction with previously molded or extruded plastic edgeprotector strips. of the cathode plate and within the plurality of plateapertures. When this fluid cures into a hardened form, a locking body 92is formed. This locking body permanently secures the edge strip assemblyto the cathode plate.

FIG. 19, a cross-sectional view taken through a plate aperture 51, showshow the locking body 92 extends above, below, and through the side edgeof the cathode plate 12. FIG. 20, a cross-sectional view taken through arepresentative portion of the bottom edge strip 83, shows how thelocking body exists only above and below the bottom edge of the cathodeplate 12. In other words, since no plate apertures are normally providedalong the bottom edge, the locking body in this region is so confined.

While all of the edge strips described so far have been generallyrectangular in cross-section, other configurations may be used as well.For example, in FIGS. 21 and 22, an edge strip 93 which is circular inconfiguration is shown. Edge strip 93 has an inner, open side portion 94which includes a right, circular cylindrical inner cavity 96. As withthe other edge strips, the cathode plate 12 passes through the open sideportion 94 and into the inner cavity 96. If the edge of the cathodeplate includes a plate aperture 51, the locking body 97 will extendabove, below, and through the edge of the plate, as shown in FIG. 22.

It will be appreciated, then, that I have disclosed three embodiments ofimproved cathode plate edge protector systems for cathode plates, andmethods for making same, incorporating secondary and tertiary moldingprocesses in conjunction with previously molded or extruded plastic edgeprotector strips.

What is claimed is:
 1. A U-shaped edge protector system for a cathodeplate, comprising: a. a first side edge strip and a second side edgestrip, each of said side edge strips having an upper end and a lowerend, and, an inner, open side portion extending therebetween, said lowerend having a bevel termination; b. a bottom edge strip having an firstend with a bevel termination in mating engagement with said beveltermination of said first side edge strip forming a first juncture, andhaving a second end with a bevel termination in mating engagement withsaid bevel termination of said second side edge strip forming a secondjuncture, said bottom edge strip having an inner, open side portionextending between said first end and said second end; c. a first moldedcorner piece, said first corner piece being molded over said firstjuncture; and, d. a second molded corner piece, said second corner piecebeing molded over said second juncture, forming a unitary structure. 2.An edge protector system as in claim 1 including a cathode plate, saidcathode plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and secondside edges extending therebetween, said side edges including a pluralityof plate apertures arranged in spaced relation, and further includingfirst and second retainer strips, said retainer strips each including aplurality of registration pins depending from the underside thereof,said registration pins being arranged in spaced relation for insertioninto said plate apertures, whereby said open side portions of said firstedge strip and said second edge strip are respectively slip installedover said first retainer and said second retainer strip until saidbottom edge of said cathode plate is inserted into said portion of saidbottom edge strip.
 3. An edge protector system as in claim 2 in whichsaid cathode plate includes a hanger bar attached along said top edge,and further including a pair of hook holes extending through saidcathode plate adjacent said top edge.
 4. An edge protector system as inclaim 2 in which said cathode plate is made from stainless steel.
 5. Anedge protector system as in claim 1 in which said first and secondcorner pieces are molded from liquid plastic.
 6. An edge protectorsystem as in claim 1 in which said first and second corner piecesinclude a right-angle corner plug located at a terminus of said openside portion of said bottom edge strip.
 7. An edge protector system fora cathode plate, comprising: a. a side edge strip having an open upperend and an open lower end, and an inner, open side portion extendingtherebetween, said open side portion including an inner cavity having avolume; b. a cathode plate, said cathode plate having a top edge, abottom edge, and a side edge extending therebetween said side edgeincluding a plurality of plate apertures extending through said plateand arranged in spaced relation therealong, said side edge filling aportion of said volume of said inner cavity, and said open side portionenclosing said apertures; and, c. a locking body formed from a fluidcurable into a hardened form, whereby said upper end of said side edgestrip is temporarily fitted with a dam and said lower end of said sideedge strip temporarily fitted with an injection mold fitting, and saidlocking body is injected in a fluid form through said injection moldfitting into the remaining unfilled portion of said volume and into saidapertures, said fluid thereafter curing into a hardened form to securesaid cathode plate and said side edge strip together.
 8. An edgeprotector system as in claim 7 in which said locking body is made froman injection molded plastic.
 9. An edge protector system as in claim 7in which said inner cavity includes a plate recess sized and configuredto receive said side edge of said cathode plate, and a strip recesshaving an upper portion and a lower portion in communication with saidplate recess, said apertures in said cathode plate lying within saidplate portion between said upper portion and said lower portion of saidstrip recess.
 10. An edge protector system as in claim 7, in which saiddam and said injection mold fitting are removed after said fluid is atleast partially cured, and in which said locking body fills said openupper and lower ends of said side edge strip.
 11. An edge protectorstrip system as in claim 7 in which said side edge strip is generallyrectangular in transverse, cross-section.
 12. An edge protector stripsystem as in claim 7 in which said side edge strip is circular intransverse, cross-section.
 13. An edge protector system for a cathodeplate, comprising: a. a first side edge strip and a second side edgestrip, each of said side edge strips having an upper end and a lowerend, and an inner, open side portion extending therebetween, each ofsaid open side portions including an inner cavity having a volume; b. acathode plate, said cathode plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, andfirst and second side edges extending therebetween, each of said firstand second side edges including a plurality of plate apertures extendingthrough said plate and arranged in spaced relation therealong, saidfirst side edge filling a portion of said volume of said inner cavity ofsaid first side edge strip, and said open side portion of said firstside edge strip enclosing said apertures along said first side edge,said second side edge filling a portion of said volume of said innercavity of said second side edge strip, and said open side portion ofsaid second side edge strip enclosing said apertures along said secondside edge and, c. a locking body formed from a fluid curable into ahardened form, said locking body being injected in a fluid form into theremaining unfilled portion of each of said volumes and into each of saidapertures, said fluid thereafter curing into a hardened form to securesaid cathode plate together with each of said first and said second sideedge strips.
 14. A U-shaped edge protector system for a cathode plate,comprising: a. a cathode plate, said cathode plate having a top edge, abottom edge, and first and second side edges extending therebetween,said side edges including a plurality of plate apertures arranged inspaced relation therealong; b. a first side edge strip and a second sideedge strip, each of said side edge strips having an upper end and alower end, and an inner, open side portion extending therebetween, saidopen side portion including an inner cavity having a volume, and saidlower end having a bevel termination, said first side edge of saidcathode plate filling a portion of said volume of said inner cavity ofsaid first side edge strip, and said open side portion of said firstside edge strip enclosing said apertures along said first side edge,said second side edge of said cathode plate filling a portion of saidvolume of said inner cavity of said second side edge strip, and saidopen side portion of said second side edge strip enclosing saidapertures along said second side edge; c. a bottom edge strip having ana first end with a bevel termination in mating engagement with saidbevel termination of said first side edge strip forming a firstjuncture, and having a second end with a bevel termination in matingengagement with said bevel termination of said second side edge stripforming a second juncture, said bottom edge strip having an inner, openside portion extending between said first end and said second end, saidopen side portion including an inner cavity having a volume, said bottomedge of said cathode plate filling a portion of said volume of saidinner cavity of said bottom edge strip; d. a first molded corner piece,said first corner piece being molded over said first juncture; e. asecond molded corner piece, said second corner piece being molded oversaid second juncture, forming a unitary structure; and, f. a lockingbody formed from a fluid curable into a hardened form, said locking bodybeing injected in a fluid form into the remaining unfilled portion ofeach of said volumes and into each of said apertures, said fluidthereafter curing into a hardened form to secure said cathode platetogether with each of said first and said second side edge strips andsaid bottom edge strip.
 15. A method for making a U-shaped edgeprotector system for a cathode plate, comprising the steps of: a.providing a first side edge strip and a second side edge strip, each ofsaid side edge strips having an upper end and a lower end, and an inner,open side portion extending therebetween, said lower end having a beveltermination; b. providing a bottom edge strip having an a first end witha bevel termination and a second end with a bevel termination; c.maintaining said bevel termination of said first end of said bottom edgestrip in mating engagement with said bevel termination of said firstside edge strip, forming a first juncture; d. molding a first cornerpiece over said first juncture; e. maintaining said bevel termination ofsaid second end of said bottom edge strip in mating engagement with saidbevel termination of said second side edge strip, forming a secondjuncture; and, f. molding a second corner piece over said secondjuncture.
 16. A method for making a cathode plate provided with an edgeprotector system, comprising the steps of: a. providing a cathode plate,said cathode plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a side edgeextending therebetween, said side edge including a plurality of plateapertures extending through said plate and arranged in spaced relationtherealong, b. providing a side edge strip having an upper end and alower end, and an inner, open side portion extending therebetween, saidopen side portion including an inner cavity having a volume; c.inserting said side edge of said cathode plate into said open sideportion, filling a portion of said volume of said inner cavity andenclosing said apertures within said open side portion; d. forming alocking body from a fluid curable into a hardened form, by injectingsaid fluid into the remaining unfilled portion of said volume and intosaid apertures; and, e. allowing said fluid to cure into a hardenedform, thereby securing said cathode plate and said side edge striptogether.
 17. A U-shaped edge protector system for a cathode plate,comprising: a. a first side edge stip and a second side edge strip, eachof said side edge strips having an upper end and a lower end, and aninner, open side portion extending therebetween, said lower end having abevel termination; b. a bottom edge strip having a first end with abevel termination in mating engagement with said bevel termination ofsaid first side edge strip forming a first juncture, such that saidbevel termination of said first side edge strip and said beveltermination of said bottom edge strip are in parallel relation, andhaving a second end with a bevel termination in mating engagement withsaid bevel termination of said second side edge strip forming a secondjuncture, such that said bevel termination of said second side edgestrip and said bevel termination of said bottom edge strip are inparallel relation, said bottom edge strip having an inner, open sideportion extending between said first end and said second end; c. a firstmolded corner piece, said first corner piece being molded over saidfirst juncture; and, d. a second molded corner piece, said second cornerpiece being molded over said second juncture, forming a unitarystructure.
 18. An edge protector system as in claim 17, including acathode plate, said cathode plate having a top edge, a bottom edge, andfirst and second side edges extending therebetween, said side edgesincluding a plurality of plate apertures arranged in spaced relation,and further including first and second retainer strips, said retainerstrips each including a plurality of registration pins depending fromthe underside thereof, said registration pins being arranged in spacedrelation for insertion into said plate apertures, whereby said open sideportions of said first edge strip and said second edge strip arerespectively slip installed over said first retainer strip and saidsecond retainer strip until said bottom edge of said cathode plate isinserted into said open side portion of said bottom edge strip.
 19. Anedge protector system as in claim 18, in which said cathode plateincludes a hanger bar attached along said top edge, and furtherincluding a pair of hook holes extending through said cathode plateadjacent said top edge.
 20. An edge protector system as in claim 18, inwhich said cathode plate is made from stainless steel.
 21. An edgeprotector system as in claim 17 in which said first and second cornerpieces are molded from liquid plastic.